Gary BZA issues decisions on variances, short‑term rentals and a continuance; most items forwarded to council

The City of Gary Board of Zoning Appeals handled multiple petitions on June 18, 2026, issuing a mix of approvals, unfavorable recommendations and a continuance; all recorded roll‑call votes were unanimous (4–0).

Variance approved (final decision): The board granted a developmental‑standards variance for a new single‑family house at 616 East Third Place (BZA 2026‑09). Petitioner Michael Cash, general contractor for One Group Network, told the board the project includes a walk‑out basement and a rear deck that projects 10 feet; staff recommended approval with conditions including conformance to the submitted site plan, required permits and drainage controls. Because this was a developmental petition, the board’s approval is final and does not proceed to council.

Short‑term rental recommendations to City Council:
- BZA 2026‑11 (1025 North Lago): Staff recommended an unfavorable recommendation because required documentation and verifiable inspection contact were not provided after multiple continuances. The board forwarded an unfavorable recommendation to the Common Council and required renoticing so neighbors can receive notice and comment.
- BCA 2026‑12 (9449 Lakeshore Drive, "Peggy"): Staff verified a full inspection and found no police or fire complaints. The board voted to forward a favorable recommendation with standard conditions (licenses, inspections, parking/occupancy and nuisance rules) to council.
- DCA 2026‑15 (3654 Buchanan Street, Lordis): Staff verified mailings, signage and inspection materials; the petitioner plans a four‑bedroom, two‑bath listing, advertised for up to eight guests, with onsite exterior cameras. A supporter spoke in favor and the board voted to forward a favorable recommendation with conditions to council.

Continuance with renotice required: BCA 2026‑14, a petition for a metal processing/recycling facility at 6800 West 9th Avenue, was continued because the petitioner did not appear and noticing could not be verified. The board voted to continue the item to the next meeting with a requirement that the petitioner renotice and provide proof for a public hearing.

Vote summary (“Votes at a glance”):
- BCA 2026‑05 (independent living, moves to council) — favorable recommendation, 4–0 (see separate article).
- BZA 2026‑09 (variance at 616 E. Third Place) — variance granted, 4–0 (final decision).
- BZA 2026‑11 (Airbnb, 1025 North Lago) — unfavorable recommendation to council; renotice required, 4–0.
- BCA 2026‑12 (Airbnb, 9449 Lakeshore Drive) — favorable recommendation to council with conditions, 4–0.
- BCA 2026‑14 (metal recycling at 6800 W. 9th Ave) — continued; renotice and public hearing required, 4–0.
- DCA 2026‑15 (Airbnb, 3654 Buchanan St) — favorable recommendation to council with conditions, 4–0.

What to expect: Items forwarded to City Council will appear in its three‑reading process; petitions that received unfavorable recommendations were instructed to renotice so affected neighbors have an opportunity to comment at council. For the finalized variance (BZA 2026‑09) the decision is effective at the board level subject to the conditions noted on the record.

Quotes from the hearing: Petitioner Michael Cash summarized the variance request as a rear deck projecting above grade; staff emphasized that permits and drainage controls must be in place. On the Airbnb denials and continuances, staff repeatedly cited missing documentation and unverified inspection contacts as the reason for unfavorable recommendations or continued hearings.